What are the Different Kinds of Project Management Methodologies?

Project Methodologies comprise guiding processes for those who are doing project management. The correct definition is that methodologies are not tooled specific, however, in today's software-reliant world, the truth is that the methodology and the organization's project management software tool are often heavily intertwined. A methodology is a model, which project manager’s work for the design, planning, execution, and accomplishment of their project objectives. There are different project management certifications to benefit different projects.

Agile Method

The Agile method attempts to bring quick, constant delivery of product to the customer. Whereas traditional methodologies such as the Waterfall method or other linear processes require detailed requirements that are defined at the beginning where the end product is what defined in the beginning. With Agile there is no well-defined end product at the onset. In Agile there is still a disciplined prioritization process, but the non-static requirements, flexibility, constant change, and regular communication approach this as part of the culture and process.

Waterfall Project Management

Waterfall project management handles things successively, from the conception and planning phase through to expansion and quality promise and final project completion and maintenance. Project supplies are usually explained at the start, with slight to no changes to the plan unless required. The waterfall methodology is used every so often for large-scale software development projects where thorough preparation and a predictable process are paramount.

Crystal Approaches

In crystal method, the project procedures are assumed a low priority. Instead of the processes, this method focuses more on team communication, team member skills, people, and interaction. Crystal methods come under the agile category.

RAD (rapid applications development)

Generally used in software development, RAD calls for the collaborative use of structured techniques and prototyping to define user's requirements and design the final system. This has a cycle of models then prototypes over and over in the process.

PRiSM

Projects integrating Sustainable Methods (PRiSM) was developed by GPM Global as a means of creating a methodology that took environmental factors into account while being a repeatable, efficient process that could easily be incorporated into various large-scale projects. PRiSM is unique in that it is one of the few project management methodologies that requires and rewards project managers with accreditation. PRiSM is used primarily for large-scale real estate development or construction/infrastructure projects that may result in adverse environmental effects.

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

This methodology is a collection of best practices in project management. ITIL covers a broad aspect of project management which starts from the organizational management level.

PRINCE2

PRINCE2 is a government-endorsed project management methodology, released and supported by the UK government in 1996. It is a very process-oriented methodology, dividing projects into multiple stages, each with their plans and processes to follow. Like PRiSM, PRINCE2 requires accreditation via exams. PRINCE2 is a complicated yet thorough methodology, but the project manager needs to determine whether or not it will scale properly with their specific requirements. There are two types of PRINCE2 Certifications.

Kanban

The Kanban project work is displayed on board (often using stickies that move across a whiteboard from left to right). The benefit is the visual display of what is coming up next, and it makes it easy to reprioritize. Kanban charts generally contain of general types of projects or tasks "in the queue," "in progress," and "recently completed."

When an executive comes in to "drop off work" they can easily be shown what work is going on and what is coming up and how dumping something new in will affect the entire group.

Spiral

The spiral methodology is the extended waterfall model with prototyping. This method is used instead of using the waterfall model for large projects.

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

This is a theoretical model used in software development projects. In this method, there is a possibility of combining two or more project management methodologies for the best outcome. SDLC also heavily emphasizes on the use of documentation and has strict guidelines on it.